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October 4, 1007

The taste and texture of Evie's Organic Edibles

Recently, I've been getting a bit of feedback regarding the texture of my food. Some people think it's too thick, others think the consistency is perfect. I try to achieve several things when I cook food for our children, first and foremost, homemade organic/natural meals that are healthy and wholesome. Secondly, I want to provide them with flavor and texture. This is particularly important with the infants & toddlers. You will NEVER see water as one of the first ingredients in any of my infant/toddler purees. I either roast or steam all of the vegetables and ONLY add the necessary amount of water needed to reach the desired consistency. For some babies, that may be too "thick". In this case (unlike jarred baby food), you have the option of adding breast milk, formula or more water to achieve the consistency suited best for YOUR baby. All babies are not the same and they all develop differently.

Now, to this weeks menu.  A new Indian dish that has been prepared with bite size pieces of organic chicken, warm spices, yogurt and rice. A party on your child's taste buds. Look for Chicken Korma + Rice on this weeks KIDS menu

For babies who are beyond the single stages of baby food, try my Ginger Carrots. Ginger aids in digestion and it gives the same old carrots a change. 

My Vegetable Lasagna is really packed full of veggies and cheeses. My son had it for dinner last night and cleaned his plate. Between each layer, you'll see freshly steamed & chopped broccoli, cheeses and my homemade marinara sauce. Each portion is a hearty serving and probably enough for two meals!

I know it is a lot to mention, but the Beef, Potato & Carrots dinner is also a great choice this week. Sauteed organic beef with roasted white & sweet potatoes, carrots & a few rutabagas for heartiness. This is what we would call "comfort food" in the south.

September 27, 2007

Fall is in the air, and so are the pumpkins.

After the baby was born, we moved to CT..and it's a bit country out here. My son's school is located on a 170 acre farm, where they grow pumpkins, corn and other seasonal vegetables. At their farm stand, they had amazing display of pumpkins, which made me remember all the trips we use to take out of the city to pick pumpkins and apples. Now I don't have to go so far.  So this week, I prepared Pumpkin Pilaf for the babies and Pumpkin Risottofor the toddlers/kids. Both have a touch of all-spice & cinnamon to give it that "pumpkin pie taste". 

Also at this farm stand, was the last of some summer corn. We used to call it "butter & sugar" in the south. A mix of yellow & white corn. Sweet and delicious. I steamed the corn, cut it off the cobb and mixed it with roasted butternut squash. Mom's, don't miss out on this blend if you have a baby. It's simply delightful. Look for Butternut Squash + Corn on the weekly infants MENU

For the KIDS this week, try the Turkey Meatballs or the Tri-Meat Meatloaf. Both are great choices for high protein meals. 

September 20, 2007

Homemade Mac n Cheese...with creamed cauliflower.

Humm, no one would guess that there's a vegetable in this southern style Macaroni 'n Cheese. Last week, I was thinking of a clever way to satisfy my son's "need" for pasta (like so many kids) AND get him to eat a vegetable. He didn't even know it was there..which gives me some great ideas for future meals. Just remember, the meals are for the children. You can have the leftovers.

Chicken Meatballs: Have you ever searched for organic ground chicken? Couldn't find it, so I ground up fresh organic chicken breasts, added some roasted carrots, Parmesan cheese and spices and baked these babies for a moist, flavorful meal. Each meatball is the size of a golf ball and perfect for a toddler (or parent). You can serve them with a whole grain and some of my Vegetable Marinara Sauce, which is also on this weeks KIDS MENU, or alone.

There's another new fruit blend too.  Peaches, Apricots + Rice.

Also, check out the Turkey Tenders. There's more Turkey Meatloaf this week...a favorite. Like every week, portions are limited, so order early. 

September 13, 2007

Vegetable Fritters and new fruit blends

I had a hard time choosing what I wanted to highlight this week because there are some NEW choices being offered.

First, don't miss out on these amazing vegetable fritters for toddlers and kids. These would be a great snack or meal..packed full of vegetables and easy to eat. Perfect size for toddler hands.

As a last hurrah for summer, I blended fresh white peaches, apples and apricots and added oat flour for substance. You all asked for more substantial fruit blends for infants/toddlers, here it is. I tasted this when it was slightly frozen and slushy..wow, put it on a stick and call it a popcicle. 

Also, something new and different. Tomato & mascarpone sauce + pasta.  Something different for the kids to try. Shhhh, don't tell the kids...there's spinach in this meal.

September 5, 2007

It's back to school and the end of another summer!

At the beginning of each new school year, I remember saying to myself, "this year, I'm going to study harder and make better grades". Well, the intent was there...at least in the beginning. 

Do you ever feel that way with what you feed your children? The intent is there..you want to feed them healthier, more wholesome meals, but at the end of the day, you're just too tired. Let Evie's Organic Edibles help you. 

With the end of summer, I'm offering the babies another peach puree. Peaches + Blueberries. 

For toddlers, a new combination of sweet potatoes, banana, apple + a hint of ginger. Ginger is great for digestion and introduces them to a new flavor.

For KIDS, the Ratatouille is delicious served alone as a vegetable or as suggested on the website, mixed with my homemade marinara sauce and served with pasta or any whole grain.

Welcome back to the city New Yorkers. Hope everyone had an enjoyable summer! 

August 15, 2007

100% Vegan Cookies

This week, I would like to introduce a new snack for toddlers. As parents, we are frequently concerned about how much junk food our kids get when we're not around (or even when we are!)  But we all need a snack or a little pick me up during the day and kids love cookies. Evie's Organic Edibles is now offering a 100% Vegan cookie without all the refined sugars, artificial flavors & colorings. This weeks flavor is Sweet Potato Oatmeal. They're soft and chewy and a snack the whole family can enjoy. There are two cookies per package and each cookie is approximately the size of the palm of your hand.  Enjoy.  {ingredients are posted on my website}

The fresh fruit blend is Peaches + Raspberries. An amazing blend that is rich in Vitamin C and A.

Just so you know: Every Tuesday and/or Wednesday, I spend the day in a commercial kitchen preparing the meals that will be posted online Thursday. All meals are made from scratch and in small batches. Often times, popular items sell out and it may be 2-4 weeks before it is prepared and offered again. Sometimes when I cook something for the 100th time, I taste it and wonder what I did different that made it especially great this time....that is what I did with the Chicken Tetrazinni yesterday.  It has great meal for toddlers feeding themselves and has a bit if what they all like....tube shaped pasta. My son cleaned his plate last night without me having to beg or bribe him.  Portions are limited. Order early.

 

August 9, 2007

Fish + Benefits

We have been reading a lot in the last few years about about the benefits of eating fish. For children, fish provides them with the necessary vitamins and nutrients necessary for healthy vision and brain development. The Omega 3 fish oils also aid in healthy adrenal gland functions. 

This week, we have a fish for toddlers (10 mos+) and KIDS.  Check out the Tilapia or Wild Salmon Fish Cakes for KIDS and the Fish, Sweet Potato + Carrots for toddlers.  A little something for everyone. 

Fruit Compote is also on the menu this week.  This is an excellent source of iron (prunes, raisins + apricots) and tastes great in plain FAGE yogurt or as a sweetener in a bowl of oatmeal or cream of wheat.

Sesame Chicken Stir Fry: A KIDS favorite.  This is a great finger food for toddlers and has all the vegetables and protein a child needs in one meal. We love this in our house. 

August 2, 2007

Did you know?   

That is takes an average of 12 times for a baby to try a new food and learn to enjoy it?  Many parents will tell me that their 6 month old baby didn't like peas, or bok choy. Guess what. A 6 month old does not have the cognitive skills to determine whether or not they "like" food. They make faces and spit it out because it's a new texture or taste in their mouth. As my son (now 3.5 months old) approaches the day when solid foods will be introduced, I'll have to remember what I've learned over the years!

A toddler favorite, Chicken Paprika is on the menu this week.  This meal introduces them to the taste and texture of red & green peppers, chicken and sweet paprika. A bit of sour cream has been mixed with the sauce to give it a rich flavor. 

Vegetable Risotto is a light meal that is easy to eat and not too heavy on a hot summer day. 

Peaches:  Delicious! Serve them alone or mixed with plain, fage yogurt.

July 11, 2007

This weeks MENU features blueberries...fresh, NJ blueberries.  They're plump and sweet and add a beautiful color to your child's plate.  These have been blended with pears and oat flour for texture, but the dominate taste is the blueberry. Be sure to put a bib on for this dessert. 

Also featured this week are parsnips.  Parsnips are a unique root vegetable and contain more Vitamin C than a carrot and add a subtle flavor to any meal. I used them in the Beef, Potato + Parsnip dish.

With the rise in children's allergies to wheat, dairy, gluten and nuts ~ just a reminder, Evie's Organic Edibles also can provide your child with the same homemade, organic & natural meals prepared especially for you without the allergens.  For more information, contact me at info@EviesOrganicEdibles.com

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. 

June 21, 2007

PEACHES!

Every peach was hand peeled and then pureed for a sweet sensation.  This would be wonderful served slightly frozen or chilled...but either way, I promise you that your baby will be begging for more!

Spinach Roll Up...fresh, steamed spinach, blended with fetta cheese and a hint of onion, rolled up in filo dough and baked until golden brown, gives your toddler a healthy snack or side dish.  Best served warm! 

Chicken Meatballs are for KIDS and great when served with Evie's Vegetable Marinara Sauce (also packed full of vegetables) and a bowl of rice or pasta.  Check these out!


NOTE: Evie's Organic Edibles will be closed the week of July 15 for vacation...add a few extra items to your cart each week and be  sure to have variety for that week we're closed.